Belloq's Engraved Ivory Rod

A roughly five-foot-long, sturdy ivory rod—elaborately engraved and pale—kept in a wooden case and presented to Belloq during the Tabernacle ceremony. Belloq grasps the rod and intends to place it into a notch beneath the Ark's lid to conduct the ritual invocation; its smooth surface catches torchlight as surrounding soldiers watch, creating a moment of ceremonial tension.

2 appearances

Purpose

Place in notch under Ark's lid to conduct ritual invocation

Significance

Transforms Nazi dig site into sacred ceremony; Belloq's use asserts ritual authority over military aggression, stalling execution of Indy and preserving the Ark's power for opening

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S1E1 · RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK

Belloq's Ritual Interrupted — Indy Holds the Ark Hostage

Belloq lifts the elaborately engraved five-foot ivory rod from the wooden case and advances to place its end into a notch under the Ark's lid, using it as the central ritual implement that signals the ceremony's climax and moral weight.

Before: Secured inside the wooden case in the tabernacle folds, held by the Tall Captain.

After: Taken by Belloq and held aloft as he resumes the invocation; still in ceremonial use and not damaged.

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S1E1 · RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK

Standoff at the Ark — Indy Overpowered, Ritual Preserved

Belloq's engraved ivory rod is the ritual instrument he advances toward the notch in the Ark's lid; its near placement triggers the scene's climax. It functions as a symbol of sacerdotal authority that Belloq wields to command deference from military officers.

Before: Taken from the wooden case by the Tall Captain and held by Belloq, poised an inch from the Ark's notch.

After: Remains in Belloq's control; after Indy is removed he turns back to the Ark and raises the rod to continue the invocation.

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